Rugged embedded computer runs on Intel Quad Core i7 processor

March 18, 2016 //
By Julien Happich

Produced in Switzerland, MPL AG's PIP38 embedded computer is built with the Intel Quad Core i7 processor, employing CPUs from Intel's embedded roadmap.

Processor and chipset, as well as the ECC DDR3 memory chips, are soldered on the board, for optimum conduction to the housing for the best cooling without the need of heat-pipes. The input of the PIP38 is reverse-polarity and load dump protected. The input power range starts from 9 VDC up to 36 VDC, optionally up to 48 VDC. The solution is designed such that an internal UPS system with battery can be added. If a galvanic separation is required due to standards e.g. for marine or mining applications, then this can be added internally.

The BIOS (Phoenix Technologies) features the latest technology and adheres to the evolving UEFI standard. MPL has access to the source code of the BIOS, allowing customisation according to special requirements from the customer, for example, a splash screen, password protection, or other requirements.

The units come with four GigE ports, up to seven USB (3.0 and 2.0), up to four serial lines (RS232/485), PS/2, external SATA port and PCI-E port. Two SATA 3.0 and two SATA 2.0 are available interanlly. The system comes with 4/8 GB ECC DDR3 memory and can be expanded up to 12/16 GB. The unit can be expanded to include a wide variety of expansion ports such as mPCIe (up to 6), PCI-104, PCI/104-Express, XMC, PMC, PCIe x16 even MXM. The solution is offered in the standard PIP housing as well as in the MIL housing or as open-frame. The complete solution can also be ordered for extreme temperatures such as-40°C to 75°C.